Feeling blue: George Clooney's brown eyes were lightened in another promotional image for the film

George, who is no doubt still a contender for US magazine People's prestigious Sexiest Man honour again this year, is also in the running for another coveted prize - an Oscar.

He is expected to attend Sunday's Academy Awards, where he will be in the running for Best Actor for his role in Michael Clayton.

He recently returned from an international mission to Chad and as part of his new position as a United Nations "messenger of peace".

The trip, he says, has given him a new perspective on the ceremony: "You're able to go, 'God, this is really nice,' and not be as uptight about it. You have to accept it when people are nice to you and not worry about it when they're not."